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The following are the rights of the consumer as per the Consumer Protection Act:
1. Right to Safety: Each and every consumer has the right for safeguarding themselves against any goods or service that are hazardous to the health, property and life.
2. Right to be informed: This right makes a consumer to become aware about the quality, quantity, weight, ingredients and price of the goods and services. The government makes it mandatory to print all such information on the product packaging.
3. Right to Choose: The consumer has the right to choose any goods or services without force as per the wish of customer. Also, consumer has the right to access different products at prices which are competitive and fair.
4. Right to be heard: The customer in case of any instances of dissatisfaction about any product has the right to file a complaint. The customer can file a complaint and seek compensation from the manufacturers in form of product replacement, cash or free repair (if possible).
5. Right to seek redressal: The customer can ask for redressal in case the customer is exploited. The Company act has rules which makes it necessary for the companies to pay for the damage caused by the product manufactured by the company.
6. Right to consumer education: A consumer has the right to become educated about the rights available to them in case any exploitation is done. There are various organisations that work towards educating the consumer about such instances.
Apart from rights, a customer can have some responsibilities for safeguarding against exploitation. These are:
1. A consumer should be aware of the goods and services availability. It will make the customer informed and accordingly customer can make the choice.
2. A consumer must check all the appropriate quality marks on the items before purchasing the items. For example, checking hallmark symbol before purchasing jewellery.
3. A consumer must always ask for cash memo for the product or service that is purchased. It acts as a proof that purchase happened and can be used as a reference in case of any dispute that may arise in future.
4. Consumer must read the labels about price, expiry date etc before making a purchase.
5. A consumer must always deal with honesty and do not involve in illegal business deals for benefit.
6. A consumer must read the manuals that are provided with the equipment in order to be safe.
7. A consumer must file a complaint about a product that is defective or lacking any functions as mentioned for the product. Complaints must be done in the appropriate forum.
8. Consumer must keep the environment clean by avoiding pollution or generating waste from products purchased.